BOGOTÁ, Colombia -- As the oldest guerrilla insurgency in Latin America, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), celebrates its 44th anniversary, the group is at a critical juncture following the death of its leader and the desertion of thousands of its fighters. The death last month of Manuel Marulanda, FARC's founder and iconic leader, together with rising defections from rebel ranks have raised questions about whether the group is in an irreversible decline. Desertion has become a real concern for the guerrilla group. In the last six years, nearly 10,000 rebels have handed in their weapons, shrinking FARC ranks by roughly half. The government reports that over 1,180 rebels have turned themselves in this year.
After Desertions, Demise of Leaders, Colombia’s FARC Appears in Decline
![After Desertions, Demise of Leaders, Colombia’s FARC Appears in Decline](https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/FARCinsignia.jpg?w=200&h=180&crop=1)